Rest in Peace Fadi, you will be remembered always

it never quite makes sense anytime death gets so close to you in proximity.  i've never been one to be able to deal with death well and this time around isn't any kind of an exception. i'm really appreciative of friends who have sent messages, it really does mean a lot.

the student that passed away had a disorder that made his body age a lot faster than his actual age (unbelievably, extremely extremely rare disease), so at age 14 he looked like a hunched over, slow and weak 10 year old, needing assistance with nearly everything he did. not only were his motor skills declining, but his eye sight as well. he was nearly blind.  so at age 14, his body was actually 70 years old.

his mother is a co-worker, and his brother is a student of mine in the 3rd grade.  his mother had invited me over to their house a little while after i had arrived, an invitation and an afternoon that i won't forget.  his brother Jack, is one of the brightest students that i have. they had prepared a really special lunch (that must have taken hours to prepare) and they welcomed me into their home with affectionate hospitality.  after enjoying the delicious lunch, the kids brought out their photo albums and showed me all their family pictures, some of which made Jack and his siblings giggle and others that left them embarrassed.

Fadi came out of his room, and I thought "o that's Jack's brother! they look alike! that totally makes sense".  Looking through the family photos i had been wondering who it was next to Jack that looked just like Jack, and as I looked at Fadi, I thought, oh my gosh it's him. but why does he look so different now?  I was uncertain of what his condition was and completely aware that its not appropriate to ask his mom.  I spent the entire afternoon after lunch playing with the kids, Jack played his Oud for me and his sister played the violin.  I was trying to make Fadi laugh so we were playing around with this giant beach ball and then after that we played board games for hours.

Rest in Peace Fadi

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajiun

At school Fadi was always tended by his mother, constantly.  she preferred that he be at home, but he reeally wanted to be in school, and he was in school up until last week.   he was tenderly taken care of by the other students as well, they weren't their usual crazy selves around him (which says a lot).

no mother should ever have to see their child die.  i can't imagine any other kind of pain that is worse.

being far away from home, of course this makes me think of my own family.  it makes me realize the mortality of everyone around me and myself, how fragile life can be, and how little time we have to do as much good as possible.